CathyP

yeah, we did too... someone said that they wanted us to have red white and blue gowns or something... but we stuck to the school colors! I just went to my daughter's graduation from the same school this year! Totally redone and twice the size it was.

class of 76?

Thanks Cathy -

So who's the little one on your profile pic??? Add more to your album - I think it's fun - but it did Take awhile to figure how to it. Ha

Happy birthday to your youngest as well! I got started late, had mine at 41!

Thank you for being so kind, Cathy.

Hmm...I'd hate to go all the way to San Antonio if I don't need to. I don't know what to do.

Ps seeing an ALS specialist Aug. 27th and hoping for the best. The same one who treated my uncle.

Hi Cathy, in re: to your question-starting symptoms...
Slight limp on my right leg that I didn't even notice. (dec. 99)
Professors began asking me what was wrong, did my hip/back hurt?
Thought they were crazy. No pain.
My mom walked with me at the mall and noticed my gait was off. She's a PT. told me I needed to walk heel to toe. Was able to self-correct it sometimes.
Then I started tripping over invisible things. Couldn't get my feet "up" to walk.
Got a cane and legs started feeling heavy. Balance was slowly declining along w/ ability to walk.
2004-now Terrible leg spasms all night
2005 saw my first neuro and got a scooter (Thank God) Normal MRI's except for some minor spinal degeneration.
Emg in 2009 on r. Leg was normal.
Slowly lost my ability to walk till now.
2010 2nd uncle died from ALS
Now my arms getting tired with use, can't walk but can stand if I hold onto something. No balance at all, many falls. Can transfer to scooter.

What do you think?
Kate

Yeah. I was gonna name it comet, but I like Rudolph better. My progression seems to be much slower than the average PALS. I have been using a walker since the Fall of 2010. My balance is way off and I need to hold on to something to walk, but I walk SO SLOW, now. The scooter has been great, but it is too big for my small house. So I have been using it around the yard and neighborhood. It is a large 4 wheel scooter . I was really looking for ones they make that come apart for traveling,they only go on paved surfaces and each piece weighs no more than 25 pounds. That way I could take it with me places where I will walk a lot. I am grateful to have Rudolph ? He has enabled me to work in my yard again and not move so sloth-like s..l..o..w.

Yes I indeed understand Cathy.....being a burden to my wife is a big concern of mine.......I am retired Air Force so once I get my 100 percent disability, the VA may pay for a nursing facility to care for me......I talked to my wife about that today.......she can't take care of me 24/7.......and a nursing facility would be set up with staff and handicap facilities......so that is an option I am considering....that is of course if the VA will pay for it.......have you been losing weight......I must make sure I eat well or I will drop a pound or two......I will probably be at the Aug clinic too.....so perhaps we will meet.....I am tall....about 6 3 1/2 wear glasses and balding so you will probably be able to spot me right away........keep in touch.....we can encourage each other and fight as best we can.......prayer can make a difference.....it is our best weapon now to fight this awful disease.......I am praying for you and your family.........take care.....cheers.....fp

I know God can cure things the doctor's can't heal. I get into see Dr D on 19 July. I am anxious to get into the ALS clinic at Vandy. Hopefully they can help extend our lives with techniques they have learned over the years of dealing with ALS. I have weakness in both my right arm and right leg and fasciculations all over my body except my head. I know progression rates vary a lot from person to person. I know my body is trying to fight this disease. It looks like mine was diagnosed pretty early. As I weaken, I know I am going to be a burden on my poor wife.....she is a small lady from Thailand and I weigh 220. I am fighting as best I can. Did Vandy give you any suggestions as far as nutrition, things to do to fight the disease? Did they offer to get you into any clinical trials?........keep in touch......we will fight this together.......cheers......fp

Yay for fresh tomatoes and pePpers! I'm glad they are flourishing! Bon appetite!

I wanted to tell that we opened the camper this weekend and I was so excited cause I got up in to the camper without much trouble. woohoo. hoping to get more than one trip in this year. hope u guys get out as well.

My twitching started in November in my thighs. Now it is all over my body except my head area. So perhaps we are at about the same stage. My right leg and arm are weak. I understand from my neurologist that I will get into see Dr D on 19 July. I so want to fight this thing. I know my body is fighting but it is a hard battle. Hopefully the Vandy ALS clinic will be able to help both of us in our struggle to beat ALS. Try to stay strong Cathy. I will pray for you and your family. I do not use facebook that much, but you can find me Floyd Parton.....feel free to send a friend request there too if you wish......take care and keep in touch......we will journey down this road together......we are not alone.......cheers......fp

Thanks, Cathy! I am indeedy!